Event Inquiry HRVic's DanceWize (DW) Program receives funding from the Victorian Department of Health (DH) to deliver peer-based health promotion and harm reduction education and support services for the music event and festival scene. Primary Contact Name Email Phone Continue

Peer education and care at festivals and events Victoria wide. Program of Harm Reduction Victoria Top of Page Gallery Features Say Know To Drugs. Peer to Peer Event and Festival Care WHO is DanceWize? 3 DANCEWIZE STAFF 200 + VOLUNTEERS - FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE: STUDENTS & NURSES, TO AOD WORKERS & ARTISTS TO SOCIAL WORKERS & BAR ISTAS...BUT SUPPORTED BY 25 HRVIC STAFF ALL WITH LIVING OR LIVED EXPERIENCE AND ARE FROM THE MUSIC/FESTIVAL COMMUNITY. CLICK HERE Event Managers or Promoters REQUEST DANCEWIZE SERVICES AT YOUR NEXT EVENT CLICK HERE Drug Information -SUBSTANCE INFO -DRUG COMBOS -ALERTS -MORE Volunteer for DanceWIze APPLY TO BE A DANCEWIZE KEY PEER EDUCATOR (KPE) or COUNSELLOR* CLICK HERE EST. 1999 DanceWize is the original, Australian, peer-based alcohol and other drugs (AOD) harm reduction program that delivers peer care and support services for music events and festivals across Victoria. Starting as a grassroots Victorian group known as RaveSafe, DanceWize has been a program of Harm Reduction Victoria (HRVic) since 1999 and is a Victorian Department of Health (DoH) funded health promotion charity. The DanceWize program model was adopted in NSW in 2017 and is administered there by NUAA. HRVic is part of a national network which is able to support the emergence of similar programs in other parts of the country too. This network promotes health rights, human rights and harm reduction. EXPERIENCE & EXPERTISE DanceWize is a peer support and event care service. For over 20+ years we have been providing peer education, safer substance use resources and referrals for related mental & physical health and wellbeing issues in an understanding, non-judgemental safe spaces at music events and festivals throughout Victoria and Australia. Our team members come with a range of their own work and lived/living experiences. We add the perfect mix of ongoing and up to date training to their skillset to equip them to care for intoxicated persons or people who need other support in party settings. AWARD WINNING CARE As DanceWize Team Leads and Key Peer Educators (KPEs), our volunteers undergo a range of training including First Aid (HLTFA003), Mental Health First Aid and but we do not operate as a First Aid provider, as this is not the program’s objective. We work as part of an event's Health Emergency Management Plan (HEMP) and alongside health providers and other on-site services. The efficacy of this peer-based program model is evidence-based and in 2016 HRVic’s DanceWize won the Minister of Health’s award for Outstanding Achievement by Volunteers Supporting Diversity. GENDER BASED VIOLENCE & MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE EQUIPPED DanceWize have the resources to deliver full-scale peer support services on-site at a limited number of events each year, but we are designed as a public-private partnership. For example, DoH covers our core operational costs, which allows us to offer subsidised services, and event organisers are expected to contribute toward our expenses on a cost-recovery basis. Dancewize also have resources to deliver comprehensive Gender Based Violence (GBV) and Mental Health services, including pre-event training and consultation and onsite service delivery that support festivals to prevent, recognise and respond to incidents of sexual and family violence onsite. If you’d like more information about our services, get in touch today. Get in Touch WHAT PEOPLE SAY “Dear DanceWize, Your care, wisdom & sincere love held me so close to this world as I was falling out of it. Thank you so much. I am filled with gratitude & respect for your work & guidance. Huge love to DW volunteer Andrew who helped me name my future llamas and filled my eyes with love. All the best 4eva. ” — M,undisclosed event

2023-2024 Annual Report Harm Reduction Victoria's Annual Report has landed. Read below by clicking link. Printed Annual Reports will be sent to members who request one at info@hrvic.org.au AR 23-24 Website Download PDF HERE HRVic's Annual Reports are now available to view online. 2022-2023 Annual Report 2022-23 Annual Report HERE Download 2022-2023 Report PDF form 2022-23 Financial Report (pdf) 2021-2022 Annual Report Read 2021-2022 Report 2020-2021 Annual Report Read 2020-2021 Report Annual Reports-from 2014-2021. (Click on cover image to open PDF.) Our Annual Reports from 2014-2021 are a small sample of our impressive growth and the resilience of our community. Our reports provide detailed insight into our achievements and progress over the years.

Feedback or Complaints As your community based organisation, HRVic welcome any feedback, comment and/or complaint. We want to know what we've got right and also when we've missed the mark. Help us to be the best organisation we can be. First Name (optional) Last Name (optional) Email (optional) Feedback and Comments Do you want a response from HRVic? * Required Yes please! I want answers! No. I just needed to vent. Send Thanks for your feedback!

GP & Prescriber LINKS and Forms POLICIES & APPLICATIONS The Department of Health and Human Services has provided a number of additional resources to complement the revised policy. Pharmacotherapy providers are encouraged to use these resources when prescribing or dispensing to people on opioid replacement therapy. All are available from the Downloads section on the Health.Vic website . Some resources are also available in a number of community languages* Pharmacotherapy Policy 2016 Policy for Issuing Schedule 8 Permits Application for Approval as a Prescriber of Pharmacotherapy Notification Of A Drug Dependent Person NATIONAL CLINICAL GUIDELINES (To be used in conjunction with Victorian Policy) NCG for Methadone NCG for Buprenorphine NCG for Use for Naltrexone

Getting On, Getting Older (GoGo) is a new project in development: Targeting the health and social needs of us oldies who inject/use drugs – now and into the future. GOGO Project The Getting On - Getting Older Our Story Harm Reduction Victoria is pleased to introduce you to 'GoGo'. Getting On, Getting Older (GoGo) is a new project in development: Targeting the health and social needs of us oldies who inject/use drugs – now and into the future. GoGo is where the elders of our community can gather to discuss our needs as older people who use drugs and more importantly, to communicate those needs in ways that effect change that has to happen to be sure we are all looked after appropriately as we get older. Are you 50 years young or over and use substances? Fill out this anonymous survey now or Do you work with people Over 50 who use drugs? Fill out this survey now What are you experiencing as an older person who uses drugs? What are your concerns for your future? How can services work with older drug users to maintain a certain standard or to improve their quality of care? If you consider yourself an ‘older’ drug user, we want your input. We want to know what YOU want. We want to know what YOU need or know what you think you WILL need as an older person who uses drugs- who is getting older. Service User Survey (client) Service Provider Survey (worker) "Services for 'ageing drug users' simply do not exist. Why? -because until recently, we didn't get older. It's about figuring out what we need and want and then creating those services for ourselves and ensuring they're available in the future- for all people who enjoy substances" - Sam "I want to be taken seriously when I say I feel pain..and I want to be treated for that pain. I had to take and give my dying friend illicit drugs because their pain was not being managed appropriately while in palliative care-it was devastating." - Anonymous "I want to go to the doctor to and have my health issues and pain taken seriously- not just assume it's the result of my using." - Anonymous Let's Talk About it: Interested in being contacted to be part of the GoGo consultation? Click here to go directly to survey or contact us by filling out this form: > First Name Last Name Email Message Thanks for submitting! Send

South East & Mornington Peninsula The huge South East area covers from Dandenong to Warneet to Druin to Narre Warren and back to Emerald. Until there are more to post we have added the Mornington Peninsula to this list also. This list consists of the clinic names and their locations. If you click on their address you will open the google maps page for that location. To book at any of these locations, you will still need to call 1800 675 398 or through the online booking system (you need an email address to sign up) unless it states otherwise. Dandenong pop-up clinic Palm Plaza (off Clow Street) Dandenong The Dandenong pop-up clinic will be open from 9am to 5pm daily, 7 days per week. No appointment is necessary, just turn up. Call beforehand to see if still open. Frankston Community Vaccination Hub Level 1, Balmoral Building, Shannon Mall, Bayside Shopping Centre Call for opening hours. Free parking is available for people getting vaccinated. Our staff will give you an exit pass to use as you leave. Please park in one of the Bayside Centre car parks. The closest parking is the undercover car park which can be accessed via Olsen Street St (off Beach St) or Balmoral St (off Young St). Coming Soon Stay tuned for more locations. Springvale City Hall 18 Grace Park Ave, Springvale. The clinic has been specially set up to cater to members of Springvale’s diverse communities, particularly those from South East Asia and Buddhist communities. Interpreters will be available, to assist people who speak Vietnamese, Cantonese, Mandarin, Punjabi and Khmer. Call to see if still operating. Peninsula Health – Point Nepean Road Suite 5 – 1533 Point Nepean Road Capel Sound Walk-in capacity is available, however bookings are encouraged to ensure we are able to accommodate you on the day. Coming Soon Stay tuned for more locations. FIND A PHARMACY SOUTH EAST & MORNINGTON PENINSULA

Bloody Serious Facts is the original Hep C workshop developed by people with lived experience of hep C & healthcare professionals specifically designed for AOD workers, nurses, NSP workers, community health staff, students of health professions BLOODY SERIOUS FACTS ONLINE Our NEW 'Bloody Serious Facts ONLINE' 1 hour zoom session is the essential new 'little sister' of the popular 2.5 hour face to face workshops (due back in September hopefully!). The new online version of BSF is FREE. Hepatitis C - Bloody Serious Facts …….a partnership between St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne and Harm Reduction Victoria. The online education session covers: - The basics of Hep C : Transmission, testing and diagnosis - Treatments – curing hepatitis C: Keep up to date with the anti-viral tablets that are changing people's lives. - The impact & meaning of living with hepatitis C: An insight into living with Hep C and the treatment journey by a person with lived experience. - Why is injecting such high risk? : A practical demonstration of the risks of transmission during the mixing up and injecting process. - Suitable for AOD workers, nurses, NSP workers, community health, mental health or anyone who works with people who are at risk of or affected by Hepatitis C. - All welcome - Nurses earn 1.5 CPD points To see more info or to register, click on the link below. LIMITED NUMBERS - BOOK NOW Mon 6 Sept 2021: 10am – 11.15am Click here to register Tues 16 Nov 2021: 10am – 11.15am Click here to register REGISTER NOW BLOODY SERIOUS FACTS- (Face To Face postponedindefinitely due to COVID) BSF is run in partnership between St Vincents Melbourne's Victorian Viral Hepatitis Educator and people with lived experience of drug use and hep c from Harm Reduction Victoria- Victoria's peer run drug user organisation. Bloody Serious Facts is a hands-on workshop that was developed and is run by healthcare professionals and people with lived experience of Hep C. This training is suitable for AOD workers, nurses, NSP workers, community health or anyone who works with people who are at risk of or affected by Hepatitis C. All welcome. *Nurses – earn 2.5 CPD points The 2.5 hour session covers: Back to Basics of Hep C : Testing, Transmission, Diagnoses and Treatment-Everything you wanted to know about this amazingly resilient but treatable virus. Treatments - Then and Now: Keeping up to date with the direct acting anti virals that are changing people's lives. The Impact & Meaning of Being Hep C + : An insight into living with Hep C and the treatment journey by a person with lived experience. A Practical Exercise : The not so obvious risks of transmission during the mixing up and injecting process. Location: Aikenhead Building (GROUND FLOOR) at St Vincent's Hospital Cnr Nicholson St and Victoria Pde, Fitzroy VIC Cost: $25.00 per person Tickets available through Eventbrite or purchase here. Due to demand we have 'upped' the workshops to 5 different dates to choose from in 2020, so you don't need to miss out! ** Dates in RED have been postponed due to COVID19 restrictions. Please contact janed@hrvic.org.au if you are unsure about your event date or contact through Eventbrite if you would like a refund. Be sure that you have booked the correct date for you! FAQs What are my transport/parking options for getting to and from the event? For people who need to drive in, there is a small multi-level carpark (paid) attached to the hospital however , if you can avoid bringing a car, there is ample public transport options. Many trams go right past the front door and we are only a short walk from Parliament station. My organisation wants to pay by invoice. Is this option available for payment? Yes. We are happy to send invoices to orgs who can't pay by credit card or who want to send a few workers along. Follow the instructions under the ticket description or if you are still unsure, call us at HRVic . (03) 93291500 My organisation is located in rural Victoria and it's difficult for us to reach the city for the start time or we want to run one of these sessions for more than 10 of our workers at our location, do you do Bloody Serious Facts training on other sites for organisations? Anything is negotiable where hepatitis C education and harm reduction are concerned! Email us for details and enquiries at admin@hrvic.org.au or call (03)93291500 currently Not Happening

This project is integral to building a strong and resilient living experience workforce and discipline and aligning the sector to better understand peer engagement and in turn offer the best possible service delivery to benefit the health and wellbeing of all PWUD PWUD accessing services fuse initiatives Harm Reduction Victoria (HRVic) and the Association of Participating Service Users (APSU) have worked in partnership to support Harm Reduction Peer Workers (HRPW’s) working in mainstream harm reduction services for the last 4 years. We have been able to build on this network and increase the regularity, length, depth and frequency of meetings and support interventions. The partnership will continue to support, mentor, and build on the skills of HRPW’s funded through Reducing Harmful Drug Use Through Peer-led Network (RHDUPLN). We have secured funding to build this living experience workforce and have now become Fuse Initiatives, which includes the very important Fuse Networks (the Victorian living experience community of practice) that offers peer to peer support for this workforce. Fuse Initiatives incorporates greater “meaningful involvement of people who use drugs” and “Nothing about us without us” as core principles and practices, in the development of Fuse Initiatives. This project is integral to building a strong and resilient living experience workforce and discipline and aligning the sector to better understand peer engagement and in turn offer the best possible service delivery to benefit the health and wellbeing of all PWUD accessing services Read Fuse Strategy READ HRPW WHACK 48 Issue Harm Reduction Living and Lived Experience Workforce Discipline Framework Created by Harm Reduction Victoria (HRVic), in collaboration with the Victorian Department of Health and the organisations of the Lived and Living Experience Development Project Read HRPW Framework Definitions Victoria has fantastic peer workforces with a range of goals and communities and experiences. We all utilize our experiences to work with our communities. These are some definitions of the specific workforce that Fuse is supporting: • Harm Reduction Peer Worker- someone who is in a defined peer role that brings living experience to their role. They are affected by similar issues – ie. health issues, such as overdose or blood borne virus transmission - as the community they work with and support • Living Experience -Is someone who is accepted by the community of people who use drugs (PWUD) as being part of that community. Their experience of issues related to illicit drug use is current. • PWUD – People who use and or inject drugs. The Primary Aims Provide a support function for HRPW’s through Fuse Networks ( the Victorian living experience community of practice ) Coordinate, convene and co-chair the Fuse Initiatives Advisory Group (FIAG) . FIAG has been developed and will help HRVIC and APSU engage with the funders, PLN stakeholders and HRPWs and encourage transparent information flow between all the key stakeholders Coordinate a Harm Reduction Peer Workforce strategic approach across Victoria Engage with all stakeholders, and enhance their understanding of the principle of meaningful involvement of people who use drugs, and ensure that it is a practice at the centre any work being delivered and asked of the living experience workforce and the programs they work in Key Focus Areas Of Fuse Initiatives Fuse Networks Offer support, mentoring, peer supervision to all HRPWs working in designated roles in AOD and Harm Reduction Affirm that support strategies meet the needs of the HRPWs, use yearly HRPW consultation outcomes to inform our strategies Develop support & supervision frameworks to outline pathways between support intervention to One-on-One peer supervision Develop confidential, non – identifiable means for capturing themes for support interventions Offer support to workers with living experience in non-designated roles, where possible and appropriate Fuse Training • Provide workforce development opportunities • Provide training opportunities for all HRPW’s via different platforms and meet individual skill development needs • Undertake ongoing training needs analysis development through consultation and feedback from HRPWs Fuse Development • Develop organisational readiness training, audits, and stigma and discrimination training for all staff that may work with HRPW’s with a living experience lens • Sector development and training to support a greater understanding of the benefits of the living experience peer workforce • Develop strategic framework to guide the strengthening of the living experience workforce in Victoria Harm Reduction Peer Workers are people with lived or living experience of drug use & overdose risk who are employed in harm reduction roles which promote the health & well being of people who use drugs. Key reflections • HRPW’s have access to community members that do not access mainstream health services, through connections that workers with living experience can best access • HRPW’s are a value add to the services they work in, and can act as a bridge between the service and their service users for better health outcomes • Having a network of HRPWs coming together monthly has been beneficial for all HRPWs, increased regularity and duration has been well received (Key reflections current and from HRPW Consultation, 2020)

HRVic's Mission Statement, Guiding Principles, Strategic Plan. Who is Harm Reduction Victoria? Who does it represent? What is Harm Reduction and WHY do we need WHO IS HARM REDUCTION VICTORIA? Harm Reduction Victoria (HRVic) is a not for profit, community organisation for people who use drugs. HRVic does not condemn nor condone the use of drugs. HRVic merely recognises that drug use happens and as such, aims to reduce any possible harms associated with that drug use. HRVic is a health promotion organisation that is guided by the belief that any drug related harm should be treated as a health issue and not a criminal issue. Our aim is to advance the health and wellbeing of people who use drugs by creating an environment in which individuals are empowered to realise their aspirations, meet their needs and participate fully in society. Our membership, staff and supporters include current and former people who use drugs, their allies and their support networks and people who support the values and objectives of Harm Reduction Victoria. We prioritise the issues and concerns of people who use drugs in all that we do within a community development framework. The philosophy of harm reduction and advancing the health and human rights of people who use drugs guides all of HRVic’s work. HRVic’s interventions are individually and collectively targeted, in order to promote a culture of safer drug use. OUR HISTORY In 1987, in the face of a growing HIV epidemic, a group of drug users, supported by their friends, families and allies established VIVAIDS- now Harm Reduction Victoria- as an independent, user-driven, community based organisation. Now funded primarily by the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services, HRVic provides peer driven and designed education and resources, practical support, information and advocacy to current and past users of illicit drugs, their supporters and the services who work with them. HRVic has often led the way in developing innovative approaches to peer education and community development, and has contributed to Australia having one of the lowest HIV rates among injecting drug users in the world. OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES Community Ownership and Accountability: Harm Reduction Victoria is of and for our community. Through active engagement with our membership and constituent communities, Harm Reduction Victoria aims to identify and serve the needs of drug users in Victoria. We encourage a broad-based sense of ownership and involvement in all aspects of HRV’s operations. Inclusivity: Harm Reduction Victoria respects and represents all people who use drugs in Victoria, regardless of gender, sexuality, age, disability or ethnic group. We prioritise those at greatest risk of drug related harm and in particular people who inject drugs, due to the risk of blood borne virus transmission. “Nothing about us without us”: Harm Reduction Victoria asserts the right of people who use drugs to have a voice in decisions which directly affect our lives and to be involved in the response to drug use and associated harms in Victoria including drug related policies and programs. http://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/reports/nothing-about-us-without-us Human Rights: Harm Reduction Victoria rejects all forms of arbitrary discrimination against people who use drugs. We believe that the stigma associated with drug use undermines human dignity and self-efficacy, and creates barriers to participation in the social, cultural and economic life of the community. We work towards the elimination of these destructive attitudes. Health Promotion: Harm Reduction Victoria is a health promotion organisation. We are guided by a belief that drug related harm should be treated as a health issue and not a criminal issue. Our aim is to advance the health and wellbeing of people who use drugs by creating an environment in which individuals are empowered to realise their aspirations, meet their needs and participate fully in society. Partnerships and Collaboration: In order to respond more effectively to the needs of people who use drugs, Harm Reduction Victoria is committed to pursuing partnerships and strategic alliances with other community sector organisations built on shared goals and trust. Excellence: Harm Reduction Victoria strives to be a model employer, to be accountable to our members and constituent communities for all of our actions, and to achieve optimal outcomes at all times. For more comprehensive information, view the Harm Reduction Victoria Strategic P la n here. OUR VISION A world where all people are treated the same & have the same opportunities regardless of their drug of choice. OUR MISSION To work to advance the health, dignity and social justice of Victorians who use drugs. OUR ROLE To authentically represent the voices of and for Victorians who use drugs. HRVic is the state member (Victoria's representitive) of the national network of drug user organisations, which is headed up by AIVL, our national peak body. OUR AIM Our aim is to educate, inform, support and advocate on behalf of all Victorians who use drugs, their friends & their allies. HRVic seeks to improve the way people who use drugs are treated in the broader community as well as by the medical community & government services. The philosophy of advancing the health & human rights of people who use drugs guides all of our work. HRVic’s interventions are individually & collectively targeted, in order to promote a culture of safer drug use. OUR TEAM If the membership are the legs that carry the org, the board of directors - the brains of HRVic, then the 15 permanent staff and over 150+ volunteers, are definitely the heart of the organisation. From a variety of backgrounds, qualifications and experience, the HRVic team is made up of current and former people who use drugs giving HRVic the advantage in drug related health promotion and a truely unique peer-spective. OUR PROGRAMS

COVID-19 Pharmacotherapy Update from the PAMS Service The PAMS Service will continue to operate during COVID-19. You can contact us by calling 1800 443 844 , (free call from landlines, most mobiles, and all public phones). During the last 4 weeks or so, we have had several calls from pharmacotherapy consumers who are worried about various aspects of the program, given the international COVID-19 pandemic. We would like to reassure people on methadone or buprenorphine (Subutex) or buprenorphine-naloxone (Suboxone) that: the supply of these medications can be guaranteed in Australia for the foreseeable future. Pharmacies are ‘essential services’ and are therefore likely to remain open during COVID-19. Importantly, all pharmacotherapy dispensing pharmacies have been encouraged to have plans in place in order to ensure ongoing service delivery in the event the pharmacy had to close for a short period (e.g. due to staff sickness). PAMS has developed “Some Helpful Tips for People on Pharmacotherapy Programs”. Given information is changing rapidly during the COVID-19 pandemic, we have now updated and added to our “helpful tips” which can be found here. What has changed for Victorian Pharmacotherapy Consumers as a Result of COVID-19? New COVID-19 Specific Pharmacotherapy Guidance: In consultation with several experts, (including PAMS), the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) have released an interim guidance which aims to make life safer for Victorian pharmacotherapy consumers and service providers during COVID-19. Currently, this guidance is in place only in response to COVID-19 and may be removed after the pandemic eases. Take-Away Doses, (TAD): We all know we are being encouraged to “stay at home” as much as possible during COVID-19. The less contact we have with other people, (e.g. on public transport, at the pharmacy or in the street), the safer we and our loved ones are likely to be. Given this interim guidance is now in place, some people might be eligible for TADs for the first time and others may be able to get additional TAD’s. The new (COVID-19 specific) Victorian TAD policy can be found here. A tool has been developed to help prescribers assess patient eligibility for TADs during COVID-19 which can be found here. Contra-indications to TADs: Please remember that both your pharmacist and prescriber must be in agreeance before you can get TADs or additional TAD’s. There are 4 circumstances when it is not considered safe to have TADs, these are: Recent OD reported with any substance Recent diversion of doses to others, sharing or trading of doses No safe and secure storage facility available Serious and immediate risk of harm to self or others Talking to your prescriber and pharmacist about TAD’s/extra TADs: If you feel you would benefit from a TAD review, PAMS staff suggest you consider the following: Get yourself a safe, secure storage facility: this can be as simple as finding a secure place, (e.g. a locked drawer or filing cabinet) where your TADs can be safely stored away. If your TADs are stored safely: You are unlikely to lose your dose/doses if your accommodation is burgled, Your confidentiality is maintained regarding the program and family members/non-using friends Your doses are kept safe from children and even pets! There is much less chance of an accidental, methadone-related overdose occurring. Remember: having a safe, secure storage facility is a requirement for TADs. Talk to your pharmacist first – ask if they would be happy to dispense TADs or additional TADs before you talk to your prescriber, (getting the support of your pharmacist is essential). Do the “check-list for assessing appropriateness of TAD’s to support continuity of pharmacotherapy during the COVID-19 pandemic” yourself first. This will give you a good idea of what your prescriber might consider when faced with this question. The checklist can be found here. Talking to your prescriber: think about the points you want to get across to your prescriber regarding TAD’s and why you feel you would benefit from them. Do you have any other chronic conditions that might make you more at risk of COVID-19 (e.g. history of respiratory problems, immune compromised, living with elderly relatives, are you over 60 years etc). Do you have to travel to the pharmacy on public transport, do you live in rural/regional Victoria with no car and public transport has been reduced etc. When talking to your prescriber, try not to demand what you want, instead try to explain the problem, and ask for their input and opinion. Importantly, maintain your cool, getting angry just makes everything worse for everyone! 3rd Party Pick-up: A formalised arrangement is now in place whereby if you must isolate or are unwell and therefore unable to present for an in-store dose, it is now possible to have your dose/s collected by another, (officially authorised) person, referred to as a ‘3rd party’. If you find yourself possibly needing a ‘3rd party pick-up’, you may want to consider the following questions: Who should I choose to collect my dose/s? The ‘3rd party’ needs to be somebody you trust (if it is a person you know). Importantly, there is a requirement the ‘3rd party’ has photo ID. If you do not have a family member or friend who is appropriate to collect your dose/s, then the next option would be to ask a case worker (if you have one), failing this it is possible to utilise a courier company. Importantly, both the prescriber and pharmacist will need to approve of the 3rd party you have nominated. Will there be any additional costs to me? Any doses collected by the ‘3rd party’ must be dispensed by the pharmacist as a TAD/s. In some instances, pharmacists charge additional fees for dispensing a TAD (e.g. for a bottle). We would hope there would not be any further cost to the consumer, aside from the usual dosing fees. However, if a courier company is used, they will likely charge a fee for service. What, (if any) changes need to be made to my script? Your pharmacotherapy prescription will need to reflect a TAD for each dose to be collected by the 3rd party. As an interim measure this could be a verbal authorisation from the prescriber to the pharmacist, however an actual prescription will need to be supplied as soon as practicable. How are the doses transported from the pharmacy to me? It is essential for the ‘3rd party’ to understand the need to collect the dose/s from the pharmacy and transport them directly to you, the consumer. Doses should, (ideally) be transported by car as opposed to public transport wherever possible. Under no circumstances should your doses be left unattended, (e.g. in a car) for any period. Who signs for the doses and how does this process happen? Your doses will need to be signed for at the pharmacy by the 3rd party. Are there any forms that need to be completed? There are forms available to assist with 3rd part pick-up. Although not mandatory, these documents can assist to formalise the 3rd party pick-up process and outline the various roles and/or responsibilities of all parties involved. These forms can be found here. We refer to the issue of ‘3rd party pick-up’ when we discuss “what do I do if I have tested positive or need to isolate”, which can be found here. The actual guidelines on 3rd party pick-up can be found here. Prescription Length: Once you are stable on a program, most prescribers write a pharmacotherapy prescription for a month. However, during COVID-19, prescribers are being encouraged to write prescriptions for up to 6 months. There are a few reasons for longer pharmacotherapy prescriptions during COVID-19, including: If your prescriber became unwell, (e.g. had to self-isolate) and there was nobody to write your prescription from the same clinic, a longer script would hopefully allow your prescriber enough time to recover. Providing you do not miss 4 doses in a row, you can likely continue to dose. Hopefully, if your prescriber is seeing less patients face to face due to longer prescriptions, they are less likely to become unwell, Reduced travel to medical appointments, means overall less exposure to other people e.g. on public transport and/or inside the clinic. Remember, if you do get a longer script it is likely your prescriber may want to have regular check-ins with you, (these can now be done over the phone or by videoconferencing – see below). Tele-health: Pharmacotherapy prescribers can now bulk-bill patients through Medicare for consultations by phone or videoconference, (tele-health). In relation to tele-health, PAMS suggest that you consider the following: Before your next medical appointment, contact your prescriber’s clinic to find out if they require you to attend in person or if they offer tele-health. If your preference is for tele-health and it is offered by your prescriber, ask if there is anything you need to do, (e.g. is there an application you need to download for a videoconference or tele-health consult?) Make sure that your medical clinic have your recent contact details, (mobile phone number, email address and next of kin/emergency contact), store the clinic phone in your mobile phone so you will know if they are calling you. Before the tele-health consultation ends, ask your prescriber for the date your prescription expires and when the next consult will be – make sure you have these dates recorded somewhere safe. If there is anything that worries you about using tele-health, (e.g. your privacy/confidentiality, understanding of and/or availability of technology etc), please raise these issues with your medical clinic or pharmacotherapy service provider. What do I do if I think I might have COVID-19 or may be required to self-isolate? Opioid Withdrawal and COVID-19: Some of the symptoms of COVID-19 can be a little like opioid withdrawal, therefore it is important not to jump to any rash conclusions. If you are on a program and think you might have COVID-19 or may be required to isolate, we suggest you follow the steps below, including: Call the COVID-19 hotline, (PH: 1800 675 398) – they will advise if you need to be tested and provide information on test sites etc. NEGATIVE COVID19 TEST RESULT - Nothing needs to change POSITIVE COVID19 TEST RESULT - Call your prescriber’s clinic and tell them you have a positive test result for COVID-19. It is likely that your prescriber will allow you to have additional TADs to cover the period you need to isolate. Your doses can be collected by a 3rd party, (e.g. a person who is a friend/relative, case worker) The interim COVID-19 guidelines cover 3rd party pick-up, more information, (including specific consent forms) can be found here. *We strongly suggest you consider who this (‘3rd party) person might be NB: it must be a person who you trust to collect and transport your doses to you, has photo ID and the pharmacist and prescriber approve of. Contact your dosing pharmacy and inform them you have a positive test result for COVID-19. that you have spoken to your prescriber and who your nominated 3rd party is. If you are worried or feel you are not able to do this on your own, or if you have any questions, or concerns please call PAMS on 1800 443 844 so we can help guide you through it. More Tips for People on Pharmacotherapy During COVID-19 If you have not seen the first lot of tips, they can be found here. New Tips for People on Pharmacotherapy: Stay on your pharmacotherapy program: over the last couple of weeks, some people on methadone or buprenorphine-naloxone have reported to PAMS that they either missed doses or at worst stopped dosing altogether in an attempt to avoid COVID-19 or to keep family/friends safe. In all honesty, this is crazy, you need your dose, (usually daily). If opioid dependent and not on a program, consider starting treatment: over recent weeks, we have been hearing that supplies of illicit drugs such as heroin are dwindling, quality is decreasing, and prices are increasing. We have experienced an increased demand for the methadone/buprenorphine-naloxone program in recent weeks. In order to prevent the possibility of opioid withdrawal, we encourage you to consider starting/re-starting treatment for opioid dependence, (pharmacotherapy). Get Naloxone: as we all know, naloxone is used to reverse an opioid overdose, including a methadone overdose. With an increased amount of methadone TADs and a supply of heroin that is likely fluctuating, the more Naloxone in circulation the better we can respond to an opioid overdose. We strongly encourage you to ask your prescriber for a prescription of Naloxone. NB: All pharmacotherapy prescribers are being encouraged to provide each patient with a prescription of Naloxone. If you get more TADs, please look after them: it is very easy for us to forget that just one methadone dose can kill several non-opioid-tolerant individuals. One of the contra-indications to getting TADs is having no safe storage unit. If your TADs are stored safely, there is no chance that kids, teenagers, visitors, (even house breakers) will be able to get hold of them. A pin-code safe can be purchased relatively inexpensively, otherwise a lockable cabinet or drawer can be utilised. TADs of buprenorphine-naloxone, (Suboxone Film): people who are stable on Suboxone Film may find themselves with a 14-28-day supply of TADs during COVID-19. Please be very careful about ensuring you keep track of your TADs and do not miss the day you are due back at the pharmacy for your next in-store dose. Missing doses during COVID-19 can be risky as if you miss more than 4 in a row, you will have to be reviewed by your prescriber before you can resume dosing. Complications can occur if your prescriber is unavailable, (e.g. due to being unwell), reluctant to re-start people via tele-health (if this is all your prescriber offers) insisting you see a new prescriber (if you have no history with the new prescriber it might be difficult to get TADs). Tip,: set an alarm/reminder message on your phone so you do not miss a dose/s at the pharmacy. Photo ID: Having photo ID is always handy. For example, many prescribers require photo ID at the first appointment and pharmacists often ask for it along with a certified photograph, (colour photo of you signed by your prescriber). If you are required to self-isolate and need to arrange for a “3rd party” to collect your doses for a short period, the 3rd party will require photo ID. It is even possible you may become a nominated 3rd party if an acquaintance must isolate. Tip: If you do not have any photo ID, we strongly suggest you consider getting it. Update your contact details: It is easy to miss a call from your prescriber or pharmacist, especially if you do not have their contact details saved in your phone’s ‘contact list’. During COVID-19, it is essential you do not miss an important call such as this, (you might be called to change an appointment time, inform you about tele-health, let you know of a change to pharmacy dosing arrangements etc). Make sure your prescriber and pharmacy have your up to date contact details. We strongly suggest you give both prescriber and pharmacist a second contact person who knows how to find you, especially in case of emergency. If you do not yet have an email address, now is a good time to consider getting one – this will only work if you check your email regularly! If you can think of anything that we have not covered here or if there is anything you would like to ask us, or if you are experiencing a pharmacotherapy program-related problem you are unable to resolve on your own please do hesitate to contact PAMS on 1800 443 844. MORE COVID19 & PHARMACOTHERAPY INFO HERE

West and South West The West & South West areas covers Williamstown to Wyndham Vale and Eynesbury to Caroline Springs back to Footscray. This list consists of the clinic names and their locations. If you click on their address you will open the google maps page for that location. To book at any of these locations, you will still need to call 1800 675 398 or through the online booking system (you need an email address to sign up) unless it states otherwise. Melbourne Showgrounds 04 Boulevard Pavilion Opening Hours: 8:00am – 5:30pm seven days a week due to high demands. Sunshine Hospital Sunshine Hospital Vaccination Hub St Albans, Vic. Capacity : up to 60 cubicles Purpose-built semi-permanent facility constructed in the ground floor of the site’s multi-deck car park. VU Whitten Oval (pop-up vaccination hub) The VU Whitten Oval COVID-19 Vaccination Hub only runs on certain days. Check the website for details and dates of operation. This site will be offering Pfizer only. Caroline Springs Leisure Centre Located at 9-19 The Parade Caroline Springs Bookings accepted, check the online booking system or call 1800 675 398 for availability. Walk ins are accepted at this vaccination centre for Pfizer and AstraZeneca. The Melton Vaccination Hub Located at 149 Barries Rd Melton West. This Hub has two vaccination services – a drive through service and a sit down vaccination centre. The drive through service is the first of its kind in Australia. Click here or on the following image to view a short video about this service. Chemist Warehouse Braybrook Home Co Tenancy 3A & 3B 340-342 Ballarat Road Burke & Butler Streets BRAYBROOK Phone: +61385271774 Bookings must be made online. Book HERE. IPC Health Vaccination Hub Caroline Springs Leisure Centre 9-19 The Parade, Caroline Springs Open Monday to Friday 10am-6pm and Saturdays 9am-6pm. Open public holidays Cohealth Centre Laverton 95-105 Railway Avenue, Laverton Open Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:30pm Call 9448 5552 Werribee St Vincent’s Private Hospital The Werribee COVID-19 Vaccination Hub is located at St Vincent’s Private Hospital, 240 Hoppers Lane, Werribee. The entrance and parking is available at the rear of the hospital. Wyndham Eagle Stadium Located at 35 Ballan Road, Werribee. This Hub has two vaccination services – a drive thru service and a sit down vaccination centre. Priceline Pharmacy Sunshine Marketplace Shop 45, Sunshine Marketplace S/C 80 Harvester Road SUNSHINE Open 09:00 to 17:30 +61393647133 Bookings must be made online. Book HERE. FIND A PHARMACY WEST & SOUTH WEST